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Murray too strong once more

09.01.2009 | Tennis

Roger unfortunately was not able to stop Andy Murray, losing the semifinal of the Qatar Open 7-6 (6), 2-6, 2-6. Murray's career record against Roger now is 5-2 in tour matches.

"It is disappointing to lose after the first set when things were going my way," Roger said. "I just couldn't give the knockout punch. But it is not a big thing. Andy is a tough player against me. I hope when big matches come, I beat him."

Our champ committed four double faults and had 37 unforced errors, the same number as his winners. In the first set, Roger raced to a 4-1 lead as he dominated Murray from the baseline with his backhand. The Scot then took advantage of a few unforced errors to pull even at 5-5. Roger, the 2005 and 2006 winner in Qatar, fought back to fend off a set point, and served out the set with an ace and a forehand winner, clenching his fist.

Roger's level of play dropped in the second set, as he made seven unforced errors against Murray’s three. A double service break handed the Scot the second set 6-2, as he took advantage of two double faults in one service game. In the final set, Murray was leading 2-1 when he stopped to get treatment on his lower back from the tournament trainer after showing pain after hitting a serve. Roger, who is one major short of tying Pete Sampras’s record 14 Grand Slam victories, had his serve broken in the next game as the Scot consistently attacked his backhand; then going on to win the match.

Next up is the AAMI Classic in Kooyong, the last preparation for the Australian Open starting on January 19th.

yes, hello everyone i didn't read your posts just now i'm also glad to see you again!
Roger's playing very beautiful. what fhs, smashes and volleys in the sec set too and serves too!!! amazing!!! and powerful too!!!

Waoh! what a quick wrap of 1st set 6-2 for Roger in 22mins. I think he woke up when he was broken and ran with it. Good job Roger, that's what I want to see. Do the same in the 2nd set and it will all be over soon. Good luck.

uncountable many beautiful shots already in the 1st set!!! unreal ones!!! that blocked return is into top 10 and what fhs and bhs and the lob was also amazing and the serves as well!!! beautiful play Roger!!!